FIFA 15 Cover Controversy

U.S. captain and Seattle Sounders forward Clint Dempsey has been named the joint cover star for North American versions of FIFA 15, alongside Lionel Messi, announced EA Sports.

The 31-year-old enjoyed a hardy World Cup performance, notching two goals during the tournament and was prolific in USA’s victory over Ghana despite suffering a broken nose.

“Clint Dempsey is a world class athlete that embodies the heart and soul of the sport,” says EA vice president of North American marketing Stuart Lang.

“He is the perfect ambassador for FIFA 15, a game that’s all about bringing the emotion and intensity of the sport to life.”

Unfortunately, the World Cup star’s appointment is not without silly controversy. You see, Dempsey's professional club, Seattle Sounders, is sponsored by Xbox which makes for a fitting cover for the Microsoft console.

As you would expect, the former Fulham man will not don his club shirt for the PS3 and PS4 versions but will instead reprise the U.S. away team kit, recently worn at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

“It’s an amazing opportunity in my career to be on the cover for FIFA 15, a game that has played a big role in growing the popularity of the sport in America,” says Dempsey.

“To join the class of other elite athletes who have appeared on previous covers is very humbling and I am extremely grateful for this honour.”

As usual, EA Sports will have different covers for different regions across the globe, and while Messi will feature prominently on every separate edition, EA has suggested that more regional players will be announced "in the coming weeks".